Alaska Communications backs teacher mentor project

November 4, 2016

University Relations

Alaska Communications has given $25,000 to the Alaska Statewide Mentor Project, an effort by the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Education to support new teachers.

ASMP is one of four programs focused on teacher and student support in the school's K-12 Outreach office. The telecommunication company's grant, via the University of Alaska Foundation, is its fifth annual donation to the project.

“This is an important piece for support of new teachers across our state, and we’re honored to have an Alaskan business make a commitment to our program," said Glenda Findlay, K-12 Outreach director.

ASMP provides individualized support to first- and second-year teachers, with the goals of improving student achievement and teacher retention. It strives to develop an effective teaching force that responds to students' diverse academic needs and cultural backgrounds. ASMP employs 28 skilled, veteran Alaska educators who mentor over 300 teachers in 24 districts.

“This program is an integral piece to help grow and retain teachers in Alaska," Findlay said. "At a time when our state is experiencing shortfalls in funding, the funds from Alaska Communications help ASMP provide continued support for teachers and education."

K-12 Outreach houses three other programs: Future Educators of Alaska, which encourages rural and Alaska Native students in grades 7-12 to become teachers; Alaska Teacher Placement, which recruits teachers; and Raising Educational Achievement through Cultural Heritage Up, or REACH Up, a curriculum of place-based and culturally relevant science for students in rural Alaska.